Eco-friendly, designer digs are still the hottest accommodation trend since couch-surfing, making us question how we ever justified sleeping on wafer-thin tarps in claustrophobic swags.
Glamping has become a popular choice for today's wannabe woodsmen-and-women who like to set a limit on the amount of mud between their toes. You still earn that sense of self-satisfaction getting down and (a little) dirty with nature, often with the luxury of indoor plumbing and roomy beds to recover from forays in the great outdoors.
If you're planning a holiday to Queensland, then a stay at any of these seven accommodation options will quickly turn you into a happy glamper.
Alure at Stanthorpe
Australia's first five-star tent experience, Alure is glamping with a capital 'G'. This romantic Stanthorpe hideaway features eco-fireplaces to keep the winter chills at bay and stylishly kitted-out kitchens.
Win favour with your lady when she sees the en suite bathroom, stocked with L'Occitane toiletries, a GHD hair straightener and warm, fluffy towels. Two decks and a private spa mean creature comforts both inside and out.
Set in Southern Queensland Country, Alure is the perfect spot for star-gazing (preferably from the comfort of your heated spa), or sitting back and letting the executive chef whip up a feast for two. It's also a convenient stone's throw from the Granite Belt's best cellar doors.
FAST FACTS
Glamping Tents start from $550/night on weekdays
Luxury Villas start from $530/night on weekdays
Each villa/tent has their own private heated outdoor spa and sleeps 2 people.
Don’t underestimate the size of Australia – it's a big country! If you’re planning a road trip, do your research on how long the drive is going to take, and where to find the best pit stops – there are hidden gems everywhere.
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Glamping at Castaways
"We were looking for somewhere for seven families. Some of the girls had never camped in their lives – they just wanted the experience for their kids," says Flight Centre product specialist, Radka Wilson.
Enter Castaways at Moreton Island. "This was perfect because you don't need a tent, you don't need all the 'camping stuff' ... you get the camping experience without the packing and unpacking," Radka says. "My husband is converted. He loves glamping."
"Castaways came with a barbecue pack and a breakfast pack. If you don't have a 4WD, it's fine – they pick you up at the ferry and drop you off at the glamping area," Radka explains.
"We've been to Fraser a few times and I loved it, but I hate the whole packing and unpacking. That's probably what puts me off the most – that and the comfort factor when you're sleeping on an air mattress. I found Castaways was just really easy."
FAST FACTS
The 11 glamping sites are a mix of two-person and four-person glamp cabins.
Two-person glamp cabin are $338 for a two-night minimum; four-person glamping cabins are $428 for a two-night minimum.
All units are self contained with full kitchens.
Transfers are available from the Micat ferry landing site at Tangalooma Wrecks which is 12 km from Castaways Moreton Island.
Glamping on sun-drenched Moreton Island. (Image: Castaways)
Ketchup's Bank Glamping
Two's company at Ketchup's Bank Glamping. Log fires crackle and wine glasses clink as wallabies bound freely around the Cannon Creek campsite.
There are only two lodgings set on this secluded Scenic Rim property, which proudly claims to be South East Queensland's first couples' glamping experience.
Wind your way along the gravel road 15 minutes from the tiny town of Boonah (105 minutes from Brisbane) and you will reach a hundred-acre patch of pure Australian bushland.
Sleep soundly among the Eucalypts in an eco-tent, waking up to sun streaming over the mountains. Electric blankets, campfire-ready marshmallows and starry skies are all included for extra toasty romance.
FAST FACTS
There are only two eco-tents on site at Ketchup's Bank: 'Ironbark' from $229 per night; 'Knapps' from $249 per night.
Specials include a two-night 'Indulgence Package' from $713, and a three-night 'Master Glamping Offer' from $747.
Food hampers are available and can be cooked on your personal barbecue or campfire.
Spend the night in an eco-tent (Image: Ketchup Bank Glamping)
Step inside the safari-style tents at Murphy's Creek Hideaway and you'll spy a king-size bed, claw-foot bath, mini bar, private en suite, day bed, rain shower, and fluffy robes for you to snuggle into during your stay.
With cabin names like Sanctuary, Serenity and Tranquility, you're pretty much guaranteed to leave with a calmer disposition than you arrived with.
Murphy's Creek in the Upper Lockyer region also features powered and unpowered campsites on the cheap, but good luck trying to sleep soundly when you know you could be sipping wine by candlelight and taking a tub in a luxury tent just over the escarpment.
FAST FACTS
Luxury tents start from $249 per night
All safari tents are equipped with your own bar fridge, kettle, toaster, BBQ, cooking and eating utensils.
Glampers can combine their stay with adventure activities, such as abseiling
Sink deep into relaxation (Image: Murphy's Creek Hideaway)
Treehouse Glamping, Cairns
Who says tree-huts are for kids? Perched in the tree canopy in the rainforest near Peeramon in the Atherton tablelands, these self-contained tree-abodes offer king-sized beds, a private jacuzzi, fireplace, coffee-maker and even a washing machine. Sip coffee as you watch the morning mist roll in over the hills. Tree-top views are the best!
FAST FACTS
Treehouse $415 per night.
Children 12 years and under not permitted.
Tarzan never had it this good.
Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mt Cotton
This may be the perfect combination: a glamp-site in a winery. Just a 30-minute drive from Brisbane, Sanctuary by Sirromet is a collection of luxury safari tents in a bushland setting just a wander away from the city's famous Sirromet winery. Sip and relax. This is the ultimate chill out with a misty edge.
FAST FACTS
Family Pavilion (4 people) $479 per night
Laguna Suite (2 people) $479 per night
Accommodation offers free parking, breakfast, Air conditioning and tours/events
Get wild by the winery!
Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp
Aside from being one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Australia, Noosa is home to one of the only two everglades systems on earth (the other one's in Florida!).
Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp offers you easy and low impact access to this amazing wetland, where a network of pristine kayak-friendly waterways weave through ancient tea tree forests that are home to 40% of Australia's bird species.
This is glamping as it's meant to be: home comforts just a peek through the branches away from a truly unique wilderness just waiting for you to explore.
FAST FACTS
Paperbark Glamping Tent (sleeps 4) $229 per night
Wilderness Safari Tent (sleeps 6) $143 per night
Glamping features: fresh linen; power/fan; deck with small table + four chairs
Glamping by the Noosa Everglades offers the ultimate nature fix.
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.